I’ve heard this:

“Abraham tithed before the Law. That means tithing isn’t just part of the Law—it’s a universal requirement from God.”

At first glance, that sounds convincing.

But is that actually what Scripture is teaching?

Let’s slow down and examine what really happened—and what we often assume.

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What Actually Happened in Genesis 14?

In Genesis 14:

• Abraham rescues Lot
• Wins a battle
• Meets Melchizedek
• Gives him a tenth of the spoils

Let’s highlight what’s not there:

• ❌ No command from God to tithe
• ❌ No instruction to repeat it
• ❌ No system established
• ❌ No mention of income—only war spoils

This is not a law. This is a unique moment.

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So Why Did Abraham Give a Tenth?

It was “culture”. Yep.

In that culture, giving a tenth was a known way of saying:

“You are greater than me”
“This victory belongs to God”

It was:

• Voluntary
• Symbolic

Not a universal command.

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The Big Logical Leap We Often Make

Here’s the argument:

Abraham did it → Therefore it must be required for all believers.

But this logic breaks down quickly.

Because Abraham did many things before the Law.

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What Else Happened Before the Law?

If “before the Law” automatically means “binding forever,” then we have to be consistent.

Abraham also:

• Built altars and offered animal sacrifices
• Practiced circumcision (commanded in Genesis 17)
• Married in a patriarchal system with complex family structures
• Operated within covenant signs specific to his calling

So the question becomes: Why do we pick tithing… but not everything else?

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Selective Theology Is the Real Issue

We often:

• Choose what fits our tradition
• Ignore what doesn’t

But Scripture doesn’t work that way.

You can’t say:

✅ “Abraham tithed before the Law, so we must tithe”

and at the same time say:

❌ “Circumcision was before the Law, but we don’t follow that”

Unless you have a clear New Covenant reason for the difference.

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What Does the New Testament Actually Emphasize?

When the New Testament speaks about giving:

It never commands a fixed percentage.

Instead, it says:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…”— 2 Corinthians 9:7

That’s a completely different framework:

• Not obligation
• But what you are willing, how much ever.

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Why Does Hebrews Talk About Abraham’s Tithe Then?

In Hebrews 7, the focus is not giving.

It’s about priesthood.

The argument is:

• Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek
• Therefore Melchizedek is greater
• Therefore Jesus’ priesthood is greater

That’s it.

• It’s not a teaching on financial practice
• It’s a teaching about who Jesus is

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The Deeper Issue: Law vs Fulfillment

This connects to something even bigger.

Before Christ:

• People related to God through systems and structures

After Christ:

• Everything is fulfilled in Jesus Christ

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Conclusion

Yes, Abraham tithed before the Law.

But:

• It was not commanded
• It was not repeated
• It was not presented as a universal standard

And most importantly: The New Testament never turns it into one